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National Young Astronomer Award

The Astronomical League sponsors the National Young Astronomer Award (NYAA) to recognize the outstanding astronomical research achievements of high-school-age students throughout the United States. Please spread the word about this.

The Application and Award:

To apply, eligible young astronomers should submit the application package by the deadline, January 31. The package will consist of a completed application form, a well-documented astronomy project of the applicant’s own work, a summary of astronomy-related activities, and optional exhibits. It is recommended that applicants be members of the Astronomical League, either through an astronomy club or a youth member-at-large membership. A team of professional astronomers will judge the entries.

This year the NYAA winners will be treated to a trip to the Northeast Astronomy Forum in April (instead of ALCon in the summer) where they will receive their awards.

The Award Telescope:

The first-place winner will receive a fine telescope made possible by the generosity of Explore Scientific, which also contributes significantly to the administration of the NYAA program. The first-place and second-place winners receive an expense-paid trip to the Astronomical League national convention (AlCon) to receive their awards.

Other Recognition:

Special plaques are presented to the first, second and third place winners at the league’s national convention each summer. Announcements regarding the top finishers will also be submitted to the major national astronomy magazines, the League’s quarterly magazine, the Reflector and to the top finishers’ local news media.

Horkheimer and NYA Award Expenses and Reimbursements

Travel expenses (typically airfare): The Astronomical League pays only for the youth winner, not either parent. Parents need to pay for their own airfare.

Accommodations: The Astronomical League pays only for the room for the youth winner. The parent can stay with the student if the room is configured to allow that. The student should arrive no earlier than the night before ALCon talks begin and leave the morning after the Awards Banquet. Other nights are strictly at the expense of the student and his or her family.

Registration: The Astronomical League pays the ALCon registration, the Star BQ, the Banquet, and any taxi charges from the airport and back (assuming no car rental) for the youth winner and parent.

Car Rental: The Astronomical League allows $100 toward car rental. Some venues offer free shuttle service to and from the airport.

Meals: The Astronomical League offers the youth winner up to $30 per day for meals (Star BQ and Banquet meals are already covered, as noted above).

Please give all receipts to either the Astronomical League President, the Awards Chair, or the Astronomical League Treasurer. The receipts will be submitted to the Astronomical League Treasurer for approval and reimbursement.

Because of IRS regulations, IRS form W9 needs to be completed by the Horkheimer youth winners before any cash awards and expense reimbursements are given.